Two years ago, I got tested for HSV 1 and HSV 2. The IGG results were: HSV 1 = >5, and HSV 2 = 1.34. My doctor immediately put me on Valtrex, and for the passed 2 years, have been taking it.
Three weeks ago, I was again tested for HSV 1 and HSV 2. The IGG results were: HSV 1 = 3.82 and HSV 2 = < .91.
My questions:
1) Is it DEFINITE that I don't have HSV2?
2) Did the HSV 2 number get lower because I've been taking Valtrex?
3) My new doctor said to stop taking Valtrex. Do you agree?
Your first hsv2 igg was a low positive and should've been confirmed as being a true positive before you were put on valtrex suppressive therapy.
At this point I recommend stopping the valtrex completely for a month. Should you get any obvious genital lesions - see your provider within 24-48 hours of their appearance for a lesion culture and typing to confirm your infection. Otherwise get a herpes WB at the end of the month to see if indeed your original result was a false positive or not.
No suppressive therapy won't lower your numbers like that.
wow!!! thanks for the immediate and informative response!!!!!!!!!
Just one more question PLEASE, b/c I'm trying to understand.....
if the supressive therapy is NOT what lowered the numbers, could it be that the HSV2 number was higher because of the high HSV1 number, or is my immune system choosing
Thank you, in advance.....I'm just a little confused. Will ABSOLUTELY be taking your advice in going back for a WB test at the end of the month.....thank you!
unfortunately false positives happen. It's why we recommend further confirmatory testing for anyone with results under 3.5 and not obvious history of symptoms/+ lesion culture of symptoms.